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Shakti: The Divine Feminine
Lose yourself in Maya, the divine game of the Goddess!
She is the Mother Goddess, Mahamaya the enchantress, the supreme consciousness, the pure source from which all creation emerges and to whom all must eventually return. As Usas, the enchanting goddess of the dawn, she is loved passionately and hated fiercely, leading to a horrific tragedy. As Durga, the invincible warrior, she defeats the savage Mahishasura, whom none of the male gods could vanquish. As Kali, the fearsome dark goddess, she delights in chaos. Yet she is also Shakti, beloved of all, who, when united with Shiva, restores balance to the universe.
In this captivating narrative, explore the contrasting facets of the sacred feminine; experience her awesome power, forged on the flames of love and hate; and watch her teach the male-dominated pantheon a lesson in compassion. Witty, engaging and thought-provoking, Shakti: The Feminine Divine will force readers to re-evaluate everything they know about the gods and goddesses and inspire all to embrace the Shakti within.
One of the few explorations of the story of the Mother Goddess, Shakti Retold in modern language, this book humanizes the gods
Witty and laced with sarcasm, it is a refreshing change from the heavy language of mythological texts
Draws analogies with the modern-day situation of women and contains a powerful message of woman empowerment
She is the Mother Goddess, Mahamaya the enchantress, the supreme consciousness, the pure source from which all creation emerges and to whom all must eventually return. As Usas, the enchanting goddess of the dawn, she is loved passionately and hated fiercely, leading to a horrific tragedy. As Durga, the invincible warrior, she defeats the savage Mahishasura, whom none of the male gods could vanquish. As Kali, the fearsome dark goddess, she delights in chaos. Yet she is also Shakti, beloved of all, who, when united with Shiva, restores balance to the universe.
In this captivating narrative, explore the contrasting facets of the sacred feminine; experience her awesome power, forged on the flames of love and hate; and watch her teach the male-dominated pantheon a lesson in compassion. Witty, engaging and thought-provoking, Shakti: The Feminine Divine will force readers to re-evaluate everything they know about the gods and goddesses and inspire all to embrace the Shakti within.
One of the few explorations of the story of the Mother Goddess, Shakti Retold in modern language, this book humanizes the gods
Witty and laced with sarcasm, it is a refreshing change from the heavy language of mythological texts
Draws analogies with the modern-day situation of women and contains a powerful message of woman empowerment
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
83 people are currently reading
1791 people want to read
About the author
Anuja Chandramouli
16 books411 followersAnuja Chandramouli is a bestselling Indian author and New Age Indian Classicist. Her highly acclaimed debut novel, Arjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince, was named by Amazon India as one of the top 5 books in the Indian Writing category for the year 2013. Kamadeva: The God of Desire and Shakti: The Divine Feminine are her other bestsellers. Currently all three books are being translated into Hindi, Marathi, Gujarathi and Bengali, a real achievement for one so young. Her epic fantasies called Yama’s Lieutenant and its sequel has received an overwhelming response.
Her books on Kartikeya, Padmavati and Prithviraj Chauhan have been very successful. Her latest book is Ganga: The Constant Goddess.
An accomplished orator, she regularly conducts workshops on Creative Writing, Story Telling and Mythology in schools, colleges and various other platforms. Her motivational speeches have also been well received. According to Chandramouli, her work with youngsters in the rural belt helping them improve their Spoken English and Writing skills has been wonderfully satisfying and enriching.
This happily married, mother of two little girls, lives in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. She is a student of classical dance and Yoga.
Email: anujamouli@gmail.com
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/authoranujac...
Her books on Kartikeya, Padmavati and Prithviraj Chauhan have been very successful. Her latest book is Ganga: The Constant Goddess.
An accomplished orator, she regularly conducts workshops on Creative Writing, Story Telling and Mythology in schools, colleges and various other platforms. Her motivational speeches have also been well received. According to Chandramouli, her work with youngsters in the rural belt helping them improve their Spoken English and Writing skills has been wonderfully satisfying and enriching.
This happily married, mother of two little girls, lives in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. She is a student of classical dance and Yoga.
Email: anujamouli@gmail.com
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/authoranujac...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 19, 2021
"Shakti - The Divine Feminine" by Anuja Chandramouli is the masterpiece of the mythological saga on the female goddess. I would say it is a literary treasure, which proves Anuja's prowess as the wordsmith.
"Shakti" brings completely different paradigm of Hindu mythology to readers. In India, Mother Goddess (we may call her Jagdamba, Amba, Aadhya-Shakti, Prakriti) is worshiped as the divine force that fuels the world. But in general, women were never considered equal to men. Anuja has taken this fact to show if this inequality applied Goddess Shakti, how she would respond. The main protagonist is Shakti and her various forms (Ushas, Durga & Kali). Main antagonists are Indra & Indra's wife Sachi.
Being the king of Devas, Indra wanted unparalleled fame after three principal male Gods. But Shakti was a female Goddess eons and eons elder than Indra, and she was revered as mother Goddess. This fact was unbearable for Indra and his wife. Apart from their jealousy towards Shakti, Indra always remained fearful towards people who he seems can outsmart him. His greed towards his throne of Deva made him blind to true justice. His actions always ended up creating bigger ripples that required Shakti's interventions. His male ego kept on getting hurt every time she intervened.
I would say this is a serious read. People who like to read thriller sagas won't like this book. You have to give the effort to understand each characters thought process. Anuja has given enough emphasis on the psychological role of each character in detailed.
"Shakti" brings completely different paradigm of Hindu mythology to readers. In India, Mother Goddess (we may call her Jagdamba, Amba, Aadhya-Shakti, Prakriti) is worshiped as the divine force that fuels the world. But in general, women were never considered equal to men. Anuja has taken this fact to show if this inequality applied Goddess Shakti, how she would respond. The main protagonist is Shakti and her various forms (Ushas, Durga & Kali). Main antagonists are Indra & Indra's wife Sachi.
Being the king of Devas, Indra wanted unparalleled fame after three principal male Gods. But Shakti was a female Goddess eons and eons elder than Indra, and she was revered as mother Goddess. This fact was unbearable for Indra and his wife. Apart from their jealousy towards Shakti, Indra always remained fearful towards people who he seems can outsmart him. His greed towards his throne of Deva made him blind to true justice. His actions always ended up creating bigger ripples that required Shakti's interventions. His male ego kept on getting hurt every time she intervened.
I would say this is a serious read. People who like to read thriller sagas won't like this book. You have to give the effort to understand each characters thought process. Anuja has given enough emphasis on the psychological role of each character in detailed.
February 21, 2016
Shakti: The Divine Feminine by Anuja Chandamouli, is a 2015 publication focused on the feminine deity, a force of passion that can be accessible to all.
As a man reading this, and a Western man at that, I had to open my mind to ideas I had only a prior flirting awareness. Chandamouli has crafted this as a theological, spiritual narrative and I was reminded of Norman Mailer’s evocative Ancient Evenings, his historical fictional treatise on Egyptian mythology. Chandamouli explores Indian and Hindu myth with a fresh eye for detail and a storyteller’s talent.
The reader is introduced to Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti. The author has researched her subject well and this novel is a wealth of information. But more than just an encyclopedia of Hindu knowledge, Chandamouli is a talented writer and makes this story come alive. Like Mailer’s Egyptian story, Chandamouli creates a historic depth for the pantheon and the reader is guided on a tour of the religion. The author tells of legends within legends and adds specificity to her design.
Interesting, well written and also entertaining.
As a man reading this, and a Western man at that, I had to open my mind to ideas I had only a prior flirting awareness. Chandamouli has crafted this as a theological, spiritual narrative and I was reminded of Norman Mailer’s evocative Ancient Evenings, his historical fictional treatise on Egyptian mythology. Chandamouli explores Indian and Hindu myth with a fresh eye for detail and a storyteller’s talent.
The reader is introduced to Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti. The author has researched her subject well and this novel is a wealth of information. But more than just an encyclopedia of Hindu knowledge, Chandamouli is a talented writer and makes this story come alive. Like Mailer’s Egyptian story, Chandamouli creates a historic depth for the pantheon and the reader is guided on a tour of the religion. The author tells of legends within legends and adds specificity to her design.
Interesting, well written and also entertaining.
July 13, 2019
There are many forms of the divine goddess, Shakti. Without her presence, the world doesn't have a meaning. Brilliantly described, this work should be read with an open mind.
It was an informative read for me as I wasn't much aware of the stories of Shakti. It kept my attention fixed in the stories throughout the book because these stories are described in interesting fashion and captivate the reader efficiently.
In its heart, the book tries to demonstrate the importance of feminine forces in the world, the equality between man and woman and shows the significance of each. Their roles are not to be looked down upon, whether small or big. The book touches strings of your heart in very different and lyrical manner.
The bond between Shakti and Shiva is commendable.
A quick read. For mythology readers, this book is highly recommended.
It was an informative read for me as I wasn't much aware of the stories of Shakti. It kept my attention fixed in the stories throughout the book because these stories are described in interesting fashion and captivate the reader efficiently.
In its heart, the book tries to demonstrate the importance of feminine forces in the world, the equality between man and woman and shows the significance of each. Their roles are not to be looked down upon, whether small or big. The book touches strings of your heart in very different and lyrical manner.
The bond between Shakti and Shiva is commendable.
A quick read. For mythology readers, this book is highly recommended.
March 26, 2016
I read this book long ago, just got the time to reread it and post my opinion. The mahamaya, supreme enchantress, plays varied roles in the lives of various people. She is Shiva's intoxication and Mahishasur's bereavement. She is the most loved and worst abused woman in the world. All her forms, dimensions and incarnations suggests only one thing about her, which happens to be her dynamism against transgression.
Be it timid Usas or ferocious Kali or vibrant Durga, the variations that Ajuna has brought forth in defining the divine supreme Shakthi is very interesting and precise. As Vishu rightly says, Goddess belongs to everyone and no one can have a claim over her.
The book was too good, but got a little draggy at the end. Overall a decent book to fall in love with. :)
Be it timid Usas or ferocious Kali or vibrant Durga, the variations that Ajuna has brought forth in defining the divine supreme Shakthi is very interesting and precise. As Vishu rightly says, Goddess belongs to everyone and no one can have a claim over her.
The book was too good, but got a little draggy at the end. Overall a decent book to fall in love with. :)
January 9, 2017
This book starts with the emergence of Shakti; the Prakriti who is the womb of the three worlds, without her, the world can’t exist. The author has started the story with the controversial mythology story where Lord Brahma gets attracted to his daughter.
Usas, goddess of dawn who is an avatar of Shakti was molested by Lord Brahma insulted by Indra ran away and takes the form of goddess Durga.
Indra, the king of heaven is always insecure and is triggered by his cunning wife Sachi. She is the one who hates Shakti and always make a plan to put down her. To protect his throne Indra kills many of the innocents thus Mahisasur born with an aim to kill Indra. He creates havoc and none of the gods able to kill him. Finally, the avatar of Shakti kills him. The story further moves to the Indra, his wife Sachi and the formation of goddess kali.
This is a captivating read which you can finish in 3 sitting. This book talks about the importance of feminine even in the godly affair. The imagination of the author is appreciable. The relation of a trinity and Shakti is a beautiful aspect of this book. I loved the chapter Shakti and Shiva. The book talks about various things like gender discrimination, molestation, jealousy, the insecurity which is also applicable in the life of mortals. The only thing which I don’t like is the more coverage to Indra and Sachi. I would have loved to read more about Shakti. I would like to dedicate one star to the awesome book cover it is really eye catching. If you love mythology then you should pick this book. Recommended reading!!
Usas, goddess of dawn who is an avatar of Shakti was molested by Lord Brahma insulted by Indra ran away and takes the form of goddess Durga.
Indra, the king of heaven is always insecure and is triggered by his cunning wife Sachi. She is the one who hates Shakti and always make a plan to put down her. To protect his throne Indra kills many of the innocents thus Mahisasur born with an aim to kill Indra. He creates havoc and none of the gods able to kill him. Finally, the avatar of Shakti kills him. The story further moves to the Indra, his wife Sachi and the formation of goddess kali.
This is a captivating read which you can finish in 3 sitting. This book talks about the importance of feminine even in the godly affair. The imagination of the author is appreciable. The relation of a trinity and Shakti is a beautiful aspect of this book. I loved the chapter Shakti and Shiva. The book talks about various things like gender discrimination, molestation, jealousy, the insecurity which is also applicable in the life of mortals. The only thing which I don’t like is the more coverage to Indra and Sachi. I would have loved to read more about Shakti. I would like to dedicate one star to the awesome book cover it is really eye catching. If you love mythology then you should pick this book. Recommended reading!!
January 10, 2016
''The Goddess belongs to everybody, and cannot be claimed by anybody, regardless of whom they might be. All such attempts will be met with a prompt rebuff.''- Vishnu to Brahma over why Shakti cannot be just Brahma's
Shakti- The Divine Feminine by Anuja Chandramouli is a part fiction part mythology story about the Mother Goddess, Shakti. Shakti, whose numerous forms we pray to; Kali as the Destroyer, Durga as the power source, Saraswati for Education. The story of Shakti starts with Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who wanted Shakti to be their other half. But Shakti was a Goddess who could not be owned by anyone. Therefore, she chose Mahesh or Shiva, with whom she could create the world and also restore it's balance as well.
During the story of Shakti, we come across numerous forms of Goddess. Usas, the Goddess of Dawn who was wronged by Brahma who took away her virtue. She runs away from the Land of Gods and takes form of Durga, who teaches a lesson to Brahma for his wrong doings. Then Indra, who is always insecure about his title as the King of Gods, kills his so called enemy brutally. One by one, Indra keeps on eliminating his enemies on the words of his cunning wife, Sachidevi. Once such murder led to the rise of Mahishasur, who was born to kill Indra with a boon that he will be able to rule all three worlds one day and will never die from the hands of a man. Once again, Durga rises to kill Mahishasur.
After eliminating Mahishasur, the mortals and immortals started praying frantically to Durga and formed a sort of cult which became an eye sore for jealous Indra. He then creates a master plan to eliminate all Durga's followers. Drowned in his ego and insecurities, a killing spree takes place by Indra where no woman was spared. Each and every woman was killed, brutally raped to show them their place as child bearers and husband followers. Rules of the land were rewritten to show the women their right place. And then, again to restore woman's right place in the world, Kali is born.
All in all, the book is a good read. We loved the fresh take on Gods and Shakti. What was surprising to read the way Creators of the world fought over petty issues of women and insecurities. Sachidevi influencing her husband Indra to kill all his enemies, even though they were not the real enemy. Brahma, a lust crazed lover, always repeating his mistakes and Shiva, the too righteous God. It was amusing to see Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh in such an Avatar. We also loved all forms of Shakti, the way they fought and debated over women issues in the male dominated world. We loved the way the story was formed, each chapter like beads in a rosary. The flow of story line was great and kept us mostly engaged in the book.
What we didn't like in the book was the language. It was as if Anuja has deliberately included tough words in each and every sentence which honestly might turn out to be road block for many readers. Shakti could also have used a little less pages. From the Mahishasur's part, the book was a little dragged that might hamper engagement of readers. Anuja could have easily saved about 30-40 pages. At some parts, a lot of emphasis has been paid on the Indra and Sachidevi's planning and plotting, which hid the main focus point, Shakti. Instead, Anuja could have covered other forms of Shakti as well.
Overall, the book is a good read. I recommend it to people who love the genre of mythological fiction. You will definitely love the new side of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who are acting like us mortals in the book.
Shakti- The Divine Feminine by Anuja Chandramouli is a part fiction part mythology story about the Mother Goddess, Shakti. Shakti, whose numerous forms we pray to; Kali as the Destroyer, Durga as the power source, Saraswati for Education. The story of Shakti starts with Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who wanted Shakti to be their other half. But Shakti was a Goddess who could not be owned by anyone. Therefore, she chose Mahesh or Shiva, with whom she could create the world and also restore it's balance as well.
During the story of Shakti, we come across numerous forms of Goddess. Usas, the Goddess of Dawn who was wronged by Brahma who took away her virtue. She runs away from the Land of Gods and takes form of Durga, who teaches a lesson to Brahma for his wrong doings. Then Indra, who is always insecure about his title as the King of Gods, kills his so called enemy brutally. One by one, Indra keeps on eliminating his enemies on the words of his cunning wife, Sachidevi. Once such murder led to the rise of Mahishasur, who was born to kill Indra with a boon that he will be able to rule all three worlds one day and will never die from the hands of a man. Once again, Durga rises to kill Mahishasur.
After eliminating Mahishasur, the mortals and immortals started praying frantically to Durga and formed a sort of cult which became an eye sore for jealous Indra. He then creates a master plan to eliminate all Durga's followers. Drowned in his ego and insecurities, a killing spree takes place by Indra where no woman was spared. Each and every woman was killed, brutally raped to show them their place as child bearers and husband followers. Rules of the land were rewritten to show the women their right place. And then, again to restore woman's right place in the world, Kali is born.
All in all, the book is a good read. We loved the fresh take on Gods and Shakti. What was surprising to read the way Creators of the world fought over petty issues of women and insecurities. Sachidevi influencing her husband Indra to kill all his enemies, even though they were not the real enemy. Brahma, a lust crazed lover, always repeating his mistakes and Shiva, the too righteous God. It was amusing to see Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh in such an Avatar. We also loved all forms of Shakti, the way they fought and debated over women issues in the male dominated world. We loved the way the story was formed, each chapter like beads in a rosary. The flow of story line was great and kept us mostly engaged in the book.
What we didn't like in the book was the language. It was as if Anuja has deliberately included tough words in each and every sentence which honestly might turn out to be road block for many readers. Shakti could also have used a little less pages. From the Mahishasur's part, the book was a little dragged that might hamper engagement of readers. Anuja could have easily saved about 30-40 pages. At some parts, a lot of emphasis has been paid on the Indra and Sachidevi's planning and plotting, which hid the main focus point, Shakti. Instead, Anuja could have covered other forms of Shakti as well.
Overall, the book is a good read. I recommend it to people who love the genre of mythological fiction. You will definitely love the new side of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who are acting like us mortals in the book.
November 26, 2015
Probably one of the best books that I have read this year. Here’s hoping more men read and understand this book for what it truly is – a commentary of the times we live in today in India rather than just another mythological retelling of tales we probably already know.
Detailed review put up at https://mahabore.wordpress.com/2015/1...
Detailed review put up at https://mahabore.wordpress.com/2015/1...
September 28, 2015
Brilliant evocation of the primal legend in a contemporary idiom.. the parallels with the present are intricately interleaved and seem so obvious that it characterises an imagination and story-telling skills of the highest order.. Will look forward to the author's next work
January 15, 2016
What has Anuja done? She has held a mirror skywards, erasing lines of holy-unholy, divine-mortal and man-god in order to make contemporary ‘the numerological nightmare that was the divine pantheon’. How? By bringing to the discussion table, through the events in the book, gender issues, ideas of morality, of justice and rigid conventions by, ahem, making use of ‘all the devas who had allowed their consciences to snooze for so long’.
Unlike her previous book Kamadeva the God of Desire, this book is not a subaltern “mythology told from below” in a slap-n-stick satirical story meant to make you laugh, uncomfortably. ‘Shakti’s power as a book lies in its unashamed exposure of the gods’ chauvinism and patriarchy, intelligently created scenes of dialogue provoking gender discourses and the striking way in which the ‘divine feminine’ rises. What finally emerges is Anuja’s, and perhaps our own, sense of an Ideal of living. This is packed in visually entertaining epical scenes reminding you of Homeric battles, heart-wrenching voices of women violated and power-packed spectacles of the innate ability of the feminine – not just divine, do note, but of the human kind too.
You will close the book on the very note that it began with. There is no way of knowing what was real and what wasn’t in the events of this story. Sachi, Indra's wife, says ‘there is no history, only stories. And the beautiful thing about stories is that they can always be rewritten to suit the need of the hour’. Anuja Chandramouli has done exactly that, and in that act of hers created an alternative epic (or an alternative to epics!) containing all that ‘has gotten lost from the collective consciousnesses’ and not been included in books by the ‘members of the Vedic brotherhood’. What remains without doubt is this –
‘There would always be the need for a resourceful goddess, who could survive against the odds, learn from her mistakes and evolve with the passing of the ages.’
A formidable book that first exposes and then inspires thought about our reality, albeit through the Heavens above.
[Read the full review here - http://www.sakshinanda.com/2016/01/sh...]
Unlike her previous book Kamadeva the God of Desire, this book is not a subaltern “mythology told from below” in a slap-n-stick satirical story meant to make you laugh, uncomfortably. ‘Shakti’s power as a book lies in its unashamed exposure of the gods’ chauvinism and patriarchy, intelligently created scenes of dialogue provoking gender discourses and the striking way in which the ‘divine feminine’ rises. What finally emerges is Anuja’s, and perhaps our own, sense of an Ideal of living. This is packed in visually entertaining epical scenes reminding you of Homeric battles, heart-wrenching voices of women violated and power-packed spectacles of the innate ability of the feminine – not just divine, do note, but of the human kind too.
You will close the book on the very note that it began with. There is no way of knowing what was real and what wasn’t in the events of this story. Sachi, Indra's wife, says ‘there is no history, only stories. And the beautiful thing about stories is that they can always be rewritten to suit the need of the hour’. Anuja Chandramouli has done exactly that, and in that act of hers created an alternative epic (or an alternative to epics!) containing all that ‘has gotten lost from the collective consciousnesses’ and not been included in books by the ‘members of the Vedic brotherhood’. What remains without doubt is this –
‘There would always be the need for a resourceful goddess, who could survive against the odds, learn from her mistakes and evolve with the passing of the ages.’
A formidable book that first exposes and then inspires thought about our reality, albeit through the Heavens above.
[Read the full review here - http://www.sakshinanda.com/2016/01/sh...]
February 17, 2017
Shakti – the Divine Feminine is Anuja Chandramouli’s third book. Her first book Arjuna had caught my attention and the second book Kamadeva was wonderful. As such it was a no brainer that I would pick her third book up without second thoughts.
In this installment, the author narrates the story, or rather the stories of Shakti, the mother goddess in all her forms. Starting with the story of Usas, the author goes on to paint the many lives of Shakti in brilliant and vivid colours. Lord Indra and his wife Sachi play the part of the antagonist and while I was a bit surprised with this take at the beginning, it soon started to make sense. There are a lot of shades and hues to each character and the story is one heck of a roller coaster journey. What remains constant is Shakti’s relationship with the Holy Trinity providing some resemblance of stability.
If I have to point out one thing that I did not like about the book or felt was the only weak link in the book was the author’s focus on Indra & his wife’s life. There are places in the book when it was almost difficult to remember that Shakti is the protagonist and not them. Other than that I enjoyed reading this book immensely. The author, who was quite good to begin with, seems to only grow with each book. Her language is grand and has mesmerizing moments. But the best part about her narration is that it is almost impossible to figure out which part of her book is fictional. It is easy to get lost in the book and forget that it is after all a work of fiction.
Another shining element of the book is the fact how relevant it is in today’s world while talking about Indian mythology. Many aspects of the book really resonated with me and I would recommend this book to not only women but also to men – to read it and to try and understand how relevant it is.
In this installment, the author narrates the story, or rather the stories of Shakti, the mother goddess in all her forms. Starting with the story of Usas, the author goes on to paint the many lives of Shakti in brilliant and vivid colours. Lord Indra and his wife Sachi play the part of the antagonist and while I was a bit surprised with this take at the beginning, it soon started to make sense. There are a lot of shades and hues to each character and the story is one heck of a roller coaster journey. What remains constant is Shakti’s relationship with the Holy Trinity providing some resemblance of stability.
If I have to point out one thing that I did not like about the book or felt was the only weak link in the book was the author’s focus on Indra & his wife’s life. There are places in the book when it was almost difficult to remember that Shakti is the protagonist and not them. Other than that I enjoyed reading this book immensely. The author, who was quite good to begin with, seems to only grow with each book. Her language is grand and has mesmerizing moments. But the best part about her narration is that it is almost impossible to figure out which part of her book is fictional. It is easy to get lost in the book and forget that it is after all a work of fiction.
Another shining element of the book is the fact how relevant it is in today’s world while talking about Indian mythology. Many aspects of the book really resonated with me and I would recommend this book to not only women but also to men – to read it and to try and understand how relevant it is.
July 3, 2016
When I saw the cover of the book and the title I was very intrigued (more than I was with her previous book Kamadeva). But unfortunately this turned out to be a big let down. The female character Shakti is probably the most revered and considered most powerful in Hindu mythology. And I was very much interested to find out what new author brings to this character as she has a flair of treating these mythological characters differently then what we have been reading about them since ages.
Complete review on my blog:
https://thebookthisweek.wordpress.com...
Complete review on my blog:
https://thebookthisweek.wordpress.com...
August 9, 2017
An unusual tale narrated in an unusual manner. What else do you expect when the Gods are at war with each other. The book that delves more into the devious character of Indra is engrossing only in parts.
April 18, 2018
A feminist text, and, it is obvious in the title. It is a fresh start for me to read Anuja's fiction, after I was disappointed by her saga on Arjuna. This book is not perfect in terms of the narrative and its engagement with the story, but, it has originality which shines in the themes the author is trying to tackle. People belonging to Gender Studies can take up this book for their research projects, if they wish so.
Hindu mythology has always dwelled on the idea of the Human Body, and its core essence - the Purusha and the Prakriti. Anuja's book deftly handles this issue with an encompassing liberal and humanitarian outlook. The theme of androgyny, the ardhanariswar is explored in relation to the process of creation and its endless cycles as depicted in the mythological texts. This book might be an eye opener for the ones who are yet to come into the terms of the LGBTQ in the country, the gender prejudices, and Gender itself being a socially, culturally, and a politically constructed medium to suit the purposes of Power.
Anuja creates some flawed and original characters here, even the great Trinity is not an exception in her story. Shakti, the Goddess, is the representation of women in all her aspects and forms. The Mother, the wife, the daughter, the sister, the warrior, the avenger, all these essences are part of a woman in her core. I was moved by many of the events in the story...such as the rape of the radiant Usha by Brahma, and her plight which I could relate to the crimes that is happening against women in the country, and the process of victimization. Indra represents the regressive patriarchy that refuses to grant women the privileges apart from the ones dictated by the Vedic norms. Vishnu represents the healing balance between the two extremes of the imbalanced dichotomy, Shiva is the Change, and Brahma the alpha-male with a penchant for dominance.
The story isn't that engaging regarding the plot construction and the pacing. At places, it appeared to be forced wherein there are long internal monologues, or asides. At times, it felt that I was reading a feminist discourse on power and equality. But, I liked the way that the author has subverted some of the tropes and decided to tell the other side of the story. Such was the matter with Durga and Mahisashura, which made me think again of the narratives that have been venerated throughout the ages. And, such was the matter with the story of Vrita, which I believe will be a slap on the faces of those revelling themselves in the glory of a dichotomized gender spectrum. The story of Vrita is a hope for the LGBTQ community, which celebrates the beauty of sexuality without any adherence to the biased norms of patriarchy. This book is a strong message to everyone in the society that the rules need to be broken, the rules that prevents from showing and knowing who we are, that prevents from any change which isn't forthcoming with thise in Power. This book is an air of freedom in the radical atmosphere that's prevailing in India in the name of Hindutva and the crap.
This book has given me the depth to analyse the narratives of our culture and religion in a new way. There is realism here, perhaps too much, but, in context to the times and scenario that's going on I felt it appropriate. As a novel, it has its faults. The story with its multiple layers failed to rise over its realism. There is very little imagination at play here. The novel is more of a critique attacking the dogma, the intolerance, and the gender-conflict that has been going throughout the times. But, it has its own merits.
Hindu mythology has always dwelled on the idea of the Human Body, and its core essence - the Purusha and the Prakriti. Anuja's book deftly handles this issue with an encompassing liberal and humanitarian outlook. The theme of androgyny, the ardhanariswar is explored in relation to the process of creation and its endless cycles as depicted in the mythological texts. This book might be an eye opener for the ones who are yet to come into the terms of the LGBTQ in the country, the gender prejudices, and Gender itself being a socially, culturally, and a politically constructed medium to suit the purposes of Power.
Anuja creates some flawed and original characters here, even the great Trinity is not an exception in her story. Shakti, the Goddess, is the representation of women in all her aspects and forms. The Mother, the wife, the daughter, the sister, the warrior, the avenger, all these essences are part of a woman in her core. I was moved by many of the events in the story...such as the rape of the radiant Usha by Brahma, and her plight which I could relate to the crimes that is happening against women in the country, and the process of victimization. Indra represents the regressive patriarchy that refuses to grant women the privileges apart from the ones dictated by the Vedic norms. Vishnu represents the healing balance between the two extremes of the imbalanced dichotomy, Shiva is the Change, and Brahma the alpha-male with a penchant for dominance.
The story isn't that engaging regarding the plot construction and the pacing. At places, it appeared to be forced wherein there are long internal monologues, or asides. At times, it felt that I was reading a feminist discourse on power and equality. But, I liked the way that the author has subverted some of the tropes and decided to tell the other side of the story. Such was the matter with Durga and Mahisashura, which made me think again of the narratives that have been venerated throughout the ages. And, such was the matter with the story of Vrita, which I believe will be a slap on the faces of those revelling themselves in the glory of a dichotomized gender spectrum. The story of Vrita is a hope for the LGBTQ community, which celebrates the beauty of sexuality without any adherence to the biased norms of patriarchy. This book is a strong message to everyone in the society that the rules need to be broken, the rules that prevents from showing and knowing who we are, that prevents from any change which isn't forthcoming with thise in Power. This book is an air of freedom in the radical atmosphere that's prevailing in India in the name of Hindutva and the crap.
This book has given me the depth to analyse the narratives of our culture and religion in a new way. There is realism here, perhaps too much, but, in context to the times and scenario that's going on I felt it appropriate. As a novel, it has its faults. The story with its multiple layers failed to rise over its realism. There is very little imagination at play here. The novel is more of a critique attacking the dogma, the intolerance, and the gender-conflict that has been going throughout the times. But, it has its own merits.
January 28, 2016
Mythology - one of my favorite genres, and of late, one that seems to be popular in Indian Writing in English, with various retellings and mythology-based fantasies that are coming up in that field. And an author who I have read before, and know has a talent for storytelling in this particular genre. It was a book I wanted to read knowing there was a very good chance I'd love it, and it lived up to that expectation for me.
Shakti. I must confess that I initially thought it would be just about the Goddess Durga, but that notion is quelled. Shakti is all forms of the Goddess — Usas, the goddess of the dawn; Kali, who the fearsome dark goddess; the invincible Durga, conqueror of the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and so on. And the book tries to bring her stories to the fore. With every protagonist comes an antagonist, and well, perhaps unexpectedly, that antagonist in this story is Indra, Lord of Amaravati and his wife, Queen Sachi.
When it comes to mythology, and what is known, my expectation is that the book have that magical feel to its narration that makes it amazing. The author though points out that in this story, it is difficult to ascertain what is true, what is fictional and what is a collusion of both. Perhaps that is what makes it easier to accept the almost humanized, contemptuous tone of the narration, even in the dialogues of the Holy Trinity. And in turn, we see these Gods and Goddesses in new light. Maybe it is an impression that has come out of how these stories have been told to us in the past, but there's a notion of peace amongst the gods themselves, and that's not there in this story. Here, the Gods quarrel for small things, for being with Shakti even. And that brings a smile. It also has some parts where I become doubtful and question those parts, like the story of Avigna, but a part of me feels there might be some truth to that. To see daughter become son was so true to Indian society that I was in two minds whether to love the book for bringing that comparison, or to hate it. What I didn't expect was for the antagonist(s) to play such a prominent part, almost to an extent that it overcrowds the main character Shakti. And though the most famous story of the Goddess that is known is perhaps that of Mahishasuramardhini, the slayer of the buffalo demon, I felt dedicating almost a third of the book to that story alone was too much.
I still admire Anuja's efforts to bring some of the lesser known stories and characters of mythology to light. And this one succeeds there too, for it gives me a lot of food for thought. And as like her other books, the cover art continues to impress too. Wondering what she has in store next.
Vinay Leo R. | A Bookworm's Musing
Shakti. I must confess that I initially thought it would be just about the Goddess Durga, but that notion is quelled. Shakti is all forms of the Goddess — Usas, the goddess of the dawn; Kali, who the fearsome dark goddess; the invincible Durga, conqueror of the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and so on. And the book tries to bring her stories to the fore. With every protagonist comes an antagonist, and well, perhaps unexpectedly, that antagonist in this story is Indra, Lord of Amaravati and his wife, Queen Sachi.
When it comes to mythology, and what is known, my expectation is that the book have that magical feel to its narration that makes it amazing. The author though points out that in this story, it is difficult to ascertain what is true, what is fictional and what is a collusion of both. Perhaps that is what makes it easier to accept the almost humanized, contemptuous tone of the narration, even in the dialogues of the Holy Trinity. And in turn, we see these Gods and Goddesses in new light. Maybe it is an impression that has come out of how these stories have been told to us in the past, but there's a notion of peace amongst the gods themselves, and that's not there in this story. Here, the Gods quarrel for small things, for being with Shakti even. And that brings a smile. It also has some parts where I become doubtful and question those parts, like the story of Avigna, but a part of me feels there might be some truth to that. To see daughter become son was so true to Indian society that I was in two minds whether to love the book for bringing that comparison, or to hate it. What I didn't expect was for the antagonist(s) to play such a prominent part, almost to an extent that it overcrowds the main character Shakti. And though the most famous story of the Goddess that is known is perhaps that of Mahishasuramardhini, the slayer of the buffalo demon, I felt dedicating almost a third of the book to that story alone was too much.
I still admire Anuja's efforts to bring some of the lesser known stories and characters of mythology to light. And this one succeeds there too, for it gives me a lot of food for thought. And as like her other books, the cover art continues to impress too. Wondering what she has in store next.
Vinay Leo R. | A Bookworm's Musing
March 14, 2018
Audacious, tongue-in-cheek, bold and whip smart.
This book which mostly feels like a vociferous feminist manifesto, combines mythology and fiction to present the supreme Shakti in a whole new light.
She breaks pithy minds with a complete refusal to adhere to conventions, shatters celestial glass ceilings with relish, saves the day many MANY times and is still subject to chauvinism, cruelty, humiliation, condemnation and self-doubt.
And yet.....the Goddess prevails.
This book which mostly feels like a vociferous feminist manifesto, combines mythology and fiction to present the supreme Shakti in a whole new light.
She breaks pithy minds with a complete refusal to adhere to conventions, shatters celestial glass ceilings with relish, saves the day many MANY times and is still subject to chauvinism, cruelty, humiliation, condemnation and self-doubt.
And yet.....the Goddess prevails.
July 26, 2020
Shakti: The Divine Feminine is a masterpiece of Anuja Chandramouli. Once again she is shown why she is known as the best seller. She is the true wordsmith of the language. While reading the narration see to it you have a dictionary handy.
This book is about the inequality faced by women in the society. Even the goddess is not spared from the inequality. Indra the king of heaven and his wife sachi are the main antagonist. Indra being the egoistic, greedy for the throne of heaven can't be stopped. Many wars between the asuras and devas are because of the mistakes done by Indra. Indra becomes very insecure if some other person outdo him he has to take action to make it right even if it is wrong.
The main protagonist of the book is shakti the Devine feminine. Durga the combination of Shakti and Usas, kali and parvati both are a part of shakti. The story is always linked with the killing of innocent brahmin which makes Indra insecure of his throne.
Mahisasura the first asura king to defeat Indra is killed by Durga the combination of usas and shakti. The same usas who was insulted and attacked by Indra for being very open and modern. Indra and Sachi meet the fate in the hands of kali and rakthabhija respectively.
Overall this book is a marvelous saga of shakti and her avatars. I would say it's a very good Goodread... 🙂
This book is about the inequality faced by women in the society. Even the goddess is not spared from the inequality. Indra the king of heaven and his wife sachi are the main antagonist. Indra being the egoistic, greedy for the throne of heaven can't be stopped. Many wars between the asuras and devas are because of the mistakes done by Indra. Indra becomes very insecure if some other person outdo him he has to take action to make it right even if it is wrong.
The main protagonist of the book is shakti the Devine feminine. Durga the combination of Shakti and Usas, kali and parvati both are a part of shakti. The story is always linked with the killing of innocent brahmin which makes Indra insecure of his throne.
Mahisasura the first asura king to defeat Indra is killed by Durga the combination of usas and shakti. The same usas who was insulted and attacked by Indra for being very open and modern. Indra and Sachi meet the fate in the hands of kali and rakthabhija respectively.
Overall this book is a marvelous saga of shakti and her avatars. I would say it's a very good Goodread... 🙂
October 16, 2021
I am never so much conflicted by any book as this one. I kept on oscillating between "what the heck" to "that's interesting way of twisting things". Most of the times this twisting went so out of hand that it was baaaaad. But at the same time, I read the book till the end without trying to take a break from it. It does take the events from vedic period and try to emulate it in altogether different way.
So my review, the book has very weird take on Hindu pantheon. It really contort all the facts. But it is such a train wreck that you can't look away.
So my review, the book has very weird take on Hindu pantheon. It really contort all the facts. But it is such a train wreck that you can't look away.
September 26, 2021
Indra and his wife , what a combo.! Shakthi is revered as the mother of all! When shakthi interferes and resolves many things, Indra’s male ego is hurt , so what happens everytime forms the crux of the story.
Shakthi, kali, Usha and the forms of Shakthi are Portrayed so wel. A must read to enjoy spirituality and fiction !
Shakthi, kali, Usha and the forms of Shakthi are Portrayed so wel. A must read to enjoy spirituality and fiction !
January 30, 2018
I am simply enamored by mythological fiction as a genre and what a better way to start off 2018 other than this book! I shall admit this, I am a huge fan of mythology written from the female side of things because hey, we don't get to oft read that owing to the way traditional folklore is penned.
Coming to the review, I really thought I knew it all when it comes to Indian mythology. But books have a tendency to surprise you. This book puts forth Shakti as much more than just the consort to the trifecta. The fables about Usas, Sachi's constant rife with Shakti, and Mahishasura are beautifully pieced together into an interwoven narrative.
Shakti is a book that doesn't take much effort to delve into. You don't need to conjure situations in your head, because the gap between reality and mythology is seamlessly bridged. With relevant references to present day patriarchy and pseudo feminism, this book makes for a very delightful read. Anuja's prose (sometimes waxing on the poetically heavier side) is stellar and my only grouse with the book is that there were a few things, I feel, that could have made the reading experience more enjoyable. One of them being, more tales focused on the divine feminine herself. Although I have mentioned that she is established as more than just a consort, I do feel that Anuja has tried to build the storyline in relation to the other characters which, in itself, is not a bad thing. But having the same story retold from the viewpoints of multiple characters feels arduously repetitive. It is a personal preference but since the book was named Shakti, I read the book expecting it to be a bit more about the core character. I was not sorely disappointed, but I did come away with the feeling of wanting more.
A must-read if you're a myhological buff like I am :)
Coming to the review, I really thought I knew it all when it comes to Indian mythology. But books have a tendency to surprise you. This book puts forth Shakti as much more than just the consort to the trifecta. The fables about Usas, Sachi's constant rife with Shakti, and Mahishasura are beautifully pieced together into an interwoven narrative.
Shakti is a book that doesn't take much effort to delve into. You don't need to conjure situations in your head, because the gap between reality and mythology is seamlessly bridged. With relevant references to present day patriarchy and pseudo feminism, this book makes for a very delightful read. Anuja's prose (sometimes waxing on the poetically heavier side) is stellar and my only grouse with the book is that there were a few things, I feel, that could have made the reading experience more enjoyable. One of them being, more tales focused on the divine feminine herself. Although I have mentioned that she is established as more than just a consort, I do feel that Anuja has tried to build the storyline in relation to the other characters which, in itself, is not a bad thing. But having the same story retold from the viewpoints of multiple characters feels arduously repetitive. It is a personal preference but since the book was named Shakti, I read the book expecting it to be a bit more about the core character. I was not sorely disappointed, but I did come away with the feeling of wanting more.
A must-read if you're a myhological buff like I am :)
January 24, 2018
Bad, Bitter-Sweet & a namesake drama.
(No Spoilers)
I always keep an open mind while reading books concerning the gods and stories concerning Hinduism and I always love them even if the writer took a new path that never was and made it completely his/her own. Unfortunately for this book (and even with the previous book titled 'Kamadeva') I wondered why is it titled Shakti when there is only one single path to an elaborate being? It's all about a 'woman' named Shakti Vs. a brat named Indra. The topic of Shakti is very elaborate, lots to know about, lots to tell, so many different forms to explain yet, there's nothing of sorts here. Instead of reading this I could have re-read Devi Bhagavatam. Introducing characters out of nowhere and not explaining much about them, felt like why did the author even talk about this character? Anuja tries to very lightly bring her previous book's character into this book but it all felt lost. This is the very first book concerning Hinduism/Hindu gods, fiction or a Purana that I felt wasted my time on. Such a pity. Just wanted the book to end soon.
(No Spoilers)
I always keep an open mind while reading books concerning the gods and stories concerning Hinduism and I always love them even if the writer took a new path that never was and made it completely his/her own. Unfortunately for this book (and even with the previous book titled 'Kamadeva') I wondered why is it titled Shakti when there is only one single path to an elaborate being? It's all about a 'woman' named Shakti Vs. a brat named Indra. The topic of Shakti is very elaborate, lots to know about, lots to tell, so many different forms to explain yet, there's nothing of sorts here. Instead of reading this I could have re-read Devi Bhagavatam. Introducing characters out of nowhere and not explaining much about them, felt like why did the author even talk about this character? Anuja tries to very lightly bring her previous book's character into this book but it all felt lost. This is the very first book concerning Hinduism/Hindu gods, fiction or a Purana that I felt wasted my time on. Such a pity. Just wanted the book to end soon.
June 8, 2017
I would've rated the book as a 4 overall. The extra point is owing to the fact that it is a book about 'Shakti: the supreme being'. I may seem biased here, but, it's just that the main origin story is given full justice here. Somehow, the representation of the Female Goddess has taken a backseat in this patriarchal world. Chandramouli's book was a refreshing change.
Shakti is given the stature of the divine Goddess. But, in this particular narration, we are subjected to the various portraits of the Goddess. The best thing about the novel is how the author has managed to make Shakti more humane, at the same time keeping her on the pedestal.
Now, the author has explicitly asked us to not think about what is fact and what is fictionalised. I'd say that one can simply read it as a story and get enchanted by the Mahamaya. After all, one never knows about myth, same goes for history(Although, in this case, I'd believe it all)!
Shakti is given the stature of the divine Goddess. But, in this particular narration, we are subjected to the various portraits of the Goddess. The best thing about the novel is how the author has managed to make Shakti more humane, at the same time keeping her on the pedestal.
Now, the author has explicitly asked us to not think about what is fact and what is fictionalised. I'd say that one can simply read it as a story and get enchanted by the Mahamaya. After all, one never knows about myth, same goes for history(Although, in this case, I'd believe it all)!
January 7, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
This book certainly was interesting. It made me see the gods in a different light with all their shortcomings and the mistakes they make - it's almost like they are humans. It is impossible to tell what is true and what isn't. It was interesting to see Indra and Sachi play the villains. It was kind of disturbing how sexist they were. The protagonists are Shakti and her different forms - Usas, the goddess of the dawn who is treated unjustly and reinvents herself as Durga, the powerful woman who ends up saving the gods from the effects of Indra's dumbness and Kali, (my personal favourite) the badass heroine who makes sexist Indra and his friends see the error of their ways. Although the prose isn't very simple, the story sure is captivating.
This book certainly was interesting. It made me see the gods in a different light with all their shortcomings and the mistakes they make - it's almost like they are humans. It is impossible to tell what is true and what isn't. It was interesting to see Indra and Sachi play the villains. It was kind of disturbing how sexist they were. The protagonists are Shakti and her different forms - Usas, the goddess of the dawn who is treated unjustly and reinvents herself as Durga, the powerful woman who ends up saving the gods from the effects of Indra's dumbness and Kali, (my personal favourite) the badass heroine who makes sexist Indra and his friends see the error of their ways. Although the prose isn't very simple, the story sure is captivating.
November 29, 2016
There are certain books which has a voice of its own. Voice in the sense that the emotions portrayed are so vivid as if at some places you feel that it’s your own thoughts which are being echoed in the book.
Gender discrimination, rape, molestation, devising code of conduct for women this is something that you will find in most of the novels but the only thing that makes the story extraordinary is that these events happened in Amravathi, yes we are talking about the revered gods and goddesses, who we believed to be untainted with these imperfections. This book brings out the realities that even the women in this holy and the revered land are not free from these crimes. This account diminishes the differences between the mortal and immortal. for the full review check out the site
http://literamuse.in/tea-talks-shakti...
Gender discrimination, rape, molestation, devising code of conduct for women this is something that you will find in most of the novels but the only thing that makes the story extraordinary is that these events happened in Amravathi, yes we are talking about the revered gods and goddesses, who we believed to be untainted with these imperfections. This book brings out the realities that even the women in this holy and the revered land are not free from these crimes. This account diminishes the differences between the mortal and immortal. for the full review check out the site
http://literamuse.in/tea-talks-shakti...
May 27, 2021
A book that aptly describes the plight of women with the help of the Hindu Mythological Gods and Goddesses. Many of the mythological stories given in the book are tweaked by the Author to portray the status women in our society. Thus, giving it a Fictional Mythological Twist.
She begins with the story of Usas being wronged by the Creator, Brahma. This leads to ripple effect and we get to see the true colours of many. There are countless instances in the book where one could relate to day to day life. Anuja has done an excellent job in showing that even for a Goddess freedom comes for a price.
The book is well written. The stories are descriptive giving it the feel of being dragged. But, after reading the entire book I felt that was necessary in order to initiate the chain of thoughts in the minds of readers about the various ironies of life that a Woman faces during her lifetime
She begins with the story of Usas being wronged by the Creator, Brahma. This leads to ripple effect and we get to see the true colours of many. There are countless instances in the book where one could relate to day to day life. Anuja has done an excellent job in showing that even for a Goddess freedom comes for a price.
The book is well written. The stories are descriptive giving it the feel of being dragged. But, after reading the entire book I felt that was necessary in order to initiate the chain of thoughts in the minds of readers about the various ironies of life that a Woman faces during her lifetime
June 23, 2017
I loved this one. At first I want sure. I was looking for a book on the divine feminine, but the myths quickly devolved into the male domination we all experience even today. But I kept going and was greatly rewarded! Shakti is the beautiful examination of love and betrayal and revenge that can wrack a soul. It reveals the beauty of what makes us male and female. And it is the origin story of the gender wars. But best of all, it is the myths that archeologists refer to when dissecting the past conquering of the goddess religions. Such a great worth of art to add to any reader's goddess archeology line of study. This book has changed the way I view and male/female god coupling the is perhaps our origin.
March 6, 2017
This book provides a feminine, refreshing outlook. Witty till the end, it kicks 'patriarchy' right where it hurts most!
It did get a bit dry somewhere in the middle, though. But the divine goddess swept me through it.
The contrasting feminine qualities have been played with well. The characterization is amazing.
The gods and goddess(es), for once, seemed to be as normal as you and me -- helping one make a better connection with the characters.
It did get a bit dry somewhere in the middle, though. But the divine goddess swept me through it.
The contrasting feminine qualities have been played with well. The characterization is amazing.
The gods and goddess(es), for once, seemed to be as normal as you and me -- helping one make a better connection with the characters.
March 5, 2016
The authoress has given a lot of rare information about Shakthi in this book. Made very enjoyable reading. However she uses a lot of difficult words in her work like scatological (page 92), biliousness & aetiological (page 95), harridan (page 96), anthropomorphism (page 111) & mandibles (page 120). The reader is forced to keep a dictionary by the side.
December 10, 2018
Quite a captivating tale. But I was slightly disappointed as this was not what I expected. This book spins a tale of the divine feminine, who is the Mother from whom all living beings draw strength from. The language is quite lofty that it sometimes digresses you off the plot. It is an interesting read and if you love Indian mythology, this book is definitely worth checking.
May 13, 2019
Anuja Chandramouli covers all the interesting faces and personas of the goddess Mahamaya in Shakti: The Divine Feminine. This fascinating take follows the goddess as she becomes different aspects of herself. Chandramouli’s writing is wonderfully descriptive and flows well making Shakti perfect for any fellow lovers of mythology out there!
October 13, 2019
Lot of deviation from the original
A tinge of feminism added to every episode of the Devi bagavatham portraying the Devi's thoughts as any other mortal. Unsure of the way sachi is portrayed when she is still the Goddess' one of greatest devotees, as mentioned in the sruthis/smritis.
Nevertheless a good read, if you choose to ignore the deviations from the original storyline.
A tinge of feminism added to every episode of the Devi bagavatham portraying the Devi's thoughts as any other mortal. Unsure of the way sachi is portrayed when she is still the Goddess' one of greatest devotees, as mentioned in the sruthis/smritis.
Nevertheless a good read, if you choose to ignore the deviations from the original storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews